Both of these wines from Trader Joe’s are Spanish reds, but are stylistically quite different.Fast facts:
- 2016 Satis Dei, Syrah-Garnacha, Terra Alta, Spain ($8.99 @Trader Joe’s, California)
- 2014 Condado de Oriza, Reserva Ribera del Duero ($9.99 @Trader Joe’s, California)
Are you tired of me pointing out how good the wine values coming out of Spain (and Portugal) are these days?
On a recent discovery excursion to one of my local Trader Joe’s, I saw a customer in the wine section contemplating a bottle of Puerta de Plata (Garnacha/Tempranillo) the wine we reviewed here https://wordpress.com/post/vinopointer.com/474 a few months ago. I told him that I really liked that wine. He thanked me and reciprocated with a wine tip of his own, this Condado de Oriza Reserva shown above.
It was a really good tip!
These two wines are very different in terms of their flavor profile.
The Satis Dei is a big mouthful of juicy blackberry, plum and cherry note compliments of its blend of Syrah (55%) and Garnacha (45%). It’s as flamboyant as its packaging. We have a term for wines like this in the wine trade: “fruit bombs.”
The Condado de Oriza, which is 100% made from Tempranillo, is more restrained. For a five-year old wine, its tannins remain remarkably firm and the flavors of chocolate, black fruits and vanilla are a bit more balanced. It is the better food wine in my opinion.
But as I so often state here, personal preferences are, well, personal. Both wines drink very nicely and since you can try both for under $20, why not gather up some friends and put them to the test over a charcuterie tray of Spanish meats, cheeses and a handful of Marcona almonds?
Or maybe a pan of paella?
Let us know if you try these wines, and which one was your favorite. And if you happen upon an exceptional wine find, let us know about that too!
Cheers!
I found your review because I just opened the Condado de Oriza Reserva 2014. I am enjoying it with pizza but could not remember if I bought it or my husband and what the cost was. So I googled it of course and came upon your review. Low and behold we have bought the Satis Dei bottle as well a few times. I like the tempranillo better. I will need to drink both a lot more just to be sure. I am pleased that this bottle is in my price point. Cheers!
Thanks for finding us and glad you enjoyed our review!